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Matty the Damned suspects Poz magazine has dealt with Jesse in a supremely unethical fashion. Does the boy understand the consequences of his outing himself? Did Sally Chew explain these things to him or did she just manipulate his desperate need for attention?

MtD

I don't think that you, Jesse, are a bug chaser. I do think that you crave and thrive on attention. I, too, withdraw from this discussion. Best of luck to you.

Paul -- agreed. I have found this thread to be pretty sad, especially as a reflection of the so-called "community" that exists here. Jesse has been called arrogant and naive again and again by the cynical mob, and has kept up a friendly demeanor in response. So who here has the more open mind to how others perceive things? Who here actually sounds arrogant with their one-size-fits-all-dying-from-HIV party line -- stick to it, or find some other forums!

Trust me, Jesse rubbed me the wrong way right from the get-go, but I admire any 19 year old that publically discloses their HIV status, especially THIS publically. Sure, he's naive, but at least he's not cynical and nasty yet. At least his mind seems to be open to the remarkable spectrum of all our experiences, living with HIV.

Peter

Peter

I'm perfectly comfortable with what I posted in response to the article. I don't know Jess beyond what was presented in the article. In my opinion it did paint a picture of a 19 year old who is immature and self absorbed. I stand by that.

I think the problem here isn't so much what you describe as a "pretty sad" response from others, the problem is as others have pointed out. POZ magazine appears to have taken advantage of a vulnerable 19 year old, one who clearly craves attention. The shame (if there is any) doesn't rest with the responses from members of these forums in my opinion, the shame rests with the corporate culture who took advantage of this young man. Not unlike the "older" men who preyed on him and one of whom probably passed on the virus.

So before you climb on your high horse and admonish others for their reactions, perhaps you should hold yourself and Smart and Strong to the same standard of criticism you have felt free to impose of others.

Attention: I don't lack any. If you take a look at myspace you can realize that I have a very busy schedule and eventful life so attention was not a reason. My friends provide me with enough fun things to do. Put yourself in my shoes kiddos, I just exposed my status and my sexual orientation to the public. It will effect my life, career, and future! I did it with the idea that young teens will get the word. Read the magazine section that says, "on the cover" and you will see another reason why I did it. My friends are valuable to me and if my story can spread awareness in the teen community, I have reached my goal.In the end I am the one on the cover. So people stop trying to make conclusions. I AM CLARIFYING THAT NOW... LATER ON I DON'T WANT ANYONE SAYING, "I DON'T KNOW YOU SO I GUESSED"

If Jesse is 19 and immature and self-absorbed, and is HIV+ then why should his experience not be in POZ? As I tried to point out before, if he's HIV+, his story is as truthful as a 20 years survivor who's been to death's door. It is his experience. Of course he doesn't know of some of the horrible things that can happen. Maybe he will in time, maybe not. I have no crystal ball. (Does everyone even remember what it was like to be 19)

Do the people protesting the "sunnyness" of the article really think the readership of POZ needs to be reminded in every article what a serious disease this is. Really?

As to being taken advantage of? If 19 is old enough for the USA to ship men and women half way around the world to some godforsaken desert to risk having their heads blown off, I think its old enough to decide if you want to share your story with a magazine.

I am a bit disappointed that some claim to know exactly what Jesse's motive was in "acquiring" HIV. Do you know mine too

Correct me if I’m wrong, two of the fastest-growing categories of new infections, are women and people of color. Were’s there stores? To raise awareness and bolster prevention efforts don’t you think that there stores would do the world good? And lets not forget the people (LTS’S) that made this magazine what it is today. Without us there would be no POZ magazine, Let the truth be told. Not some sugar coating that none HIV+ people will never read

Honestly any article written in POZ magazine will not be able to touch everyone, and not everybody will be able to relate to the person being written about. I have read other articles about other peoples stories and some of them i feel like "wow this is just how i feel" and others im like "huh?". I think that it is important to write articles about different people from different backgrounds, cultures, and values. I think its nice that they wrote about someone with such a positive outlook and is trying to deal with his diagnosis and not giving up on the goals he has in life. Sure his life will change, he might learn that having HIV is not as easy as he thought, he will probably end up on treatment someday, BUT today the meds are not like they were in the 1990's there are many more options. Im sure that plenty of young people are infected and might need a boost of confidence. I do think that humility is important in a person and I for one dont really relate to the article, but im sure someone will.

The article doesnt really send much of a prevention message because it does make it seem like its no big deal but most of the poz readers are already HIV positive....

-josh(who is tired from working all day and speaking in spanish so isnt really conveying his thoughts clearly today....)

Interesting points, but consequences can have silver linings. (And yeah, consequences can give us those problematic cans of worms too. Who's to say?) Example: What if Jesse predicts his life, career, etc will be rooted mainly in a queer-friendly, HIV-friendly environment? Then the article is likely more of a service than a disservice.

The editors should publish a follow-up on Jesse and call it "Five Years Into the Fire" or something like that. If they don't do a follow-up and instead opt for fresh meat, well, that will and should raise a few eyebrows.

Well, I will say he got the attention he was going after by starting this thread. Remember Queen tolerated him when the majority would like to string him up by his balls...*quite the visual, I might add*..I think it's great that he's soooooo freaking open but the message I get from his article is: Hey, look at me. I am 19 and went through countless older men because I am cute and look good. I knew I could become + but so what.

I'm sorry but even to the younger generation, I feel he is setting a bad example. Not every 19 yr old comes from money and I know the ghettos of Miami, I use to live in them. And Jesse you say middle class, I don't know anyone who is middle class that buys their son a new car every year. I have to question how someone who just started in the forums even got a cover on Poz and only 6 months infected. Sorry but I feel like someone's pockets got lined real good. I could be wrong and maybe I am but that is the perception I got. Call me bitter if you want to but you would be wrong, it is more like confused. I know I was once called Suzy Sunshine or some name on here and it is good to think those good thoughts but Jesse, you have me on the verge of gagging on it. But I will thank you for making me see how others prolly saw me at one point. I will always be grateful to be 10 yrs with this and no meds but I will never force it down someone's throat.

I don't do MySpace anymore but wondering if you are just as open about being + on there? You say you have friends who are sticking by you and maybe you do but I have to wonder if many are there because of what you have and I don't mean the virus. Then you say you have cliques or clicks, not sure of the correct spelling but most cliques are not open and only a "certain" type of person may join them. Not sure if you're picking up on what I am saying....

I will congratulate you for your openess about being poz but can do little more than that because to me it sounds like Poz magazine joined your clique and turned into a Jesse cheerleader like the rest of your crew...

Have we never heard of a lease? Its the most convenient and common thing to do

Jesse(Who is super tired of trying to make people understand his life)

Now it sounds like you are the one getting bitchy and I thought you don't get that way? And what do you mean by your statement or is that some new lingo I know nothing of? Oh, you mean lease the car...Well, folks from the hood don't lease cars, sweetie. And has never liked having a car note of any kind..And it must be common in suburbia...how bougie.....

First off Jesse I want to congratulate you on having the guts to do this article. There are however a few aspects of this that sit uncomfortably with me with regards to the behavior of poz magazine. I hope someone sat down with Jesse beforehand and fully explained to him the consequences of outing himself like this (which I doubt). As I was reading the article I just kept getting the impression that he was being taken advantage of slightly. I also don't know what poz magazine was trying to achieve by portraying someone like this who had only been diagnosed for 6 months. I don't think you could possibly begin to fully come to terms with the reality of a HIV diagnosis until at least a year after the event.

When I was diagnosed for the first 6 months I was tackling everything head on. Finishing my university degree and disclosing to all my friends and parents. It's only after a while when all that initial activity is finished, everything has settled and you've had a chance to sit down and think does the real reality of living with HIV hit home. This is where this article has gone wrong in my opinion. In short right person, definitely wrong time.

Queen does raise a very interesting point: just how does somone get on the cover and the subject of an interview that damn fast? He said he became positive in February of this year...and he says this article has been in the works since April of this year. That's two measly months from diagnosis to cover. Wow.

And Jesse: Hate to still push a point, but it really speaks to your true character that you made that stupid ''haineux'' comment to me unprovoked, you have been made aware of it in this thread- and are deliberately ignoring it and refusing to apologize for it.

Indeed. While I am impressed by Jesse's confidence and strength at putting himself out there as being poz and not ashamed, which in itself is a powerful accomplishment not to be done without careful weighing of the consequences (in my mind), I am a little be saddened by the article.

While this was obviously not done with any altruistic intentions meant to help prevent others from making the same mistake, it is indeed the content of the article in POZ that made me feel like I was reading People magazine. In my opinion, the triteness of the article was not the most disturbing aspect but what it caused me to realize. As others have aptly stated, the attiude portrayed through this interview about the prevention and risks of HIV and the lackadaisical attiude that is so pervasive about it (especially in the younger generations) makes me very very sad.

So, Jesse, I am impressed at your courage to put yourself out there and I am also glad that your positive outlook about having HIV is working for you but I am do think that a more positive message could have and should have been sent with this article.

Matty the Damned suspects Poz magazine has dealt with Jesse in a supremely unethical fashion. Does the boy understand the consequences of his outing himself? Did Sally Chew explain these things to him or did she just manipulate his desperate need for attention?

MtD

Those were my exact thoughts as soon as I began reading this thread and saw the article. Jesse, they used you. Whoever infected you probabaly did, and the women of Poz ate you up and spat you out without a second thought for your future wellbeing. This is not the Paris Hilton porn tape that she could get out of with the righ money and PR and lawyers. This is exposing you big time, for everyone, on paper and online. In your full name. To leak to whomever, whenever, and you are still in your teens.

This is not doing the rounds at colleges or schools to speak about HIV, this is uncontrolable exposure. And I have worked in several magazines and I know exactly how much (little) thought most reporters and editors have for their subjects beyond the caption and the deadline. I pity you Jesse, I really do. You must break out of the cycle of letting people use you. And as for the people who made this editorial choice, at least one of the has spent a very very long time in the closet, so she should know much better.

Logged

"If you keep one foot in yesterday, and one in tomorrow, you piss all over today". Betty Tacy

Matty the Damned suspects Poz magazine has dealt with Jesse in a supremely unethical fashion. Does the boy understand the consequences of his outing himself? Did Sally Chew explain these things to him or did she just manipulate his desperate need for attention?

MtD, I definitely agree that there is an issue there. The article also bothered me with another, more subtle, issue that was glossed over.

It states that Jesse got his poz diagnosis as he turned 19, after having sex with men in their 30's. Somehow that almost smacks of pedophilia. Those men took advantage of his naiveté and the magazine may have too

What this comes down to, for me, is that Poz magazine decided to do a "fluff" article. No delving into details about having HIV, how it was acquired, or what the consequences may be. It is something that would be right at home in "People" or "Us". I realize not every article will be in-depth, but I think the cover story should be.

Poz magazine's leadership and editorial board are free to take the publication in whatever direction they like. I am free to provide them feedback here, and say that I would have expected more from Poz.

Note that I am not saying that Jesse is fluff, just that the article is fluff. Yes, it is true that is it quite an accomplishment to have the guts to out one's self on a magazine cover as HIV+. That could be said of anyone who appeared on the cover. In my opinion, the writer and editors could have done more.

I can only guess how Poz magazine select the subjects for their covers: they have got to be attention-getting, be relevant to the readership, and represent a new / unique angle on HIV and AIDS. This cover accomplished the first; the second I am not so sure about, and the last, not so much.

If Poz magazine is interested in putting a 43-year old software development manager on their cover, they are free to contact me. The high-tech face of HIV -- there's an angle for you!

Regards,

Henry

Logged

"Life in Lubbock, Texas, taught me two things: One is that God loves you and you're going to burn in hell. The other is that sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love." - Butch Hancock, Musician, The Flatlanders

The article also bothered me with another, more subtle, issue that was glossed over. It states that Jesse got his poz diagnosis as he turned 19, after having sex with men in their 30's.

I agree with Matty and Leatherman that Poz missed an opportunity to delve into an angle of the story that would have made it more interesting and relevant for many readers: how did such a young man become infected, and what does he think would have prevented it?

Regards,

Henry

Logged

"Life in Lubbock, Texas, taught me two things: One is that God loves you and you're going to burn in hell. The other is that sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love." - Butch Hancock, Musician, The Flatlanders

Well all I can say is, its sad... I've read everyones point of views... I'll read the article for this month... but, I do not think its going to digest well with me. So I'll wait and state... No Comment!

I agree with Matty and Leatherman that Poz missed an opportunity to delve into an angle of the story that would have made it more interesting and relevant for many readers: how did such a young man become infected, and what does he think would have prevented it?

I'm not sure whether these questions would make the story more interesting or relevant. After all, POZ magazine is written for people who have already tested positive.

However, if the story had appeared in a mainstream magazine, a magazine targeted at a younger or a latino crowd, then it would have made a stronger impact, at least it would raise a good portion of awareness.

I'm not sure whether these questions would make the story more interesting or relevant. After all, POZ magazine is written for people who have already tested positive.

However, if the story had appeared in a mainstream magazine, a magazine targeted at a younger or a latino crowd, then it would have made a stronger impact, at least it would raise a good portion of awareness.

Cerrie-The article has nothing to do with prevention or awareness. It's about desperation. The desperation of a young man who'll do anything to be a celebrity and the ruthless ambition of an editor who uses his desperation to push magazines (and advertising dollars) at the expense of the young man's future privacy.

Of course he found Ms Hoffman and Ms Chew charming and accepting. That's how they got him to expose himself so completely. Jessie seems to consider himself a spokesmodel for HIV and the Fabulous Life. The first time he finds himself chained to a toilet for a week or begins to notice how the therapy that is saving his life is also savaging his appearance it will not seem quite so glamorous.

And at that lonely and terrifying time, will either of the heartless, greedy harridans who have exploited his diagnosis be around to comfort him or offer any support?

Logged

Blessed with brains, talent and gorgeous tits.

The revolutionary smart set reads The Spin Cycle at least once every day.

Ms Chew seems to go out of her way to almost excuse Jesus' infection because he lacked the maturity to deal with relationships with older men. Yet no where in the article does she ever mention his father or the type of relationship they have or don't have. We get a pretty good glimpse in such a short article of the mother/son dynamic, but I am curious why no mention of dad.I also wondered why she didn't ask, what type of post diagnosis counseling Jesus received. Was he left to his own devices to sort this all out by spending a week at Starbuck's with his obviously HIV naive gal pals. What message does this send to other youngsters?Finally, if the purpose of this article was to show how Jesus planned to use his new found status to help his peers. Why in the world didn't Ms Chew ask Jesus what advice he might like to give to someone Hiv negative or positive that might be reading the article?

Finally, if the purpose of this article was to show how Jesus planned to use his new found status to help his peers. Why in the world didn't Ms Chew ask Jesus what advice he might like to give to someone Hiv negative or positive that might be reading the article?

Exactly. As in...if he would like to be a spokesperson to youth about HIV, what different sort of approach does he plan to deliver in an effort to get the prevention message heard- since clearly none of what is out there now worked for him.

Quote

The article has nothing to do with prevention or awareness. It's about desperation. The desperation of a young man who'll do anything to be a celebrity and the ruthless ambition of an editor who uses his desperation to push magazines (and advertising dollars) at the expense of the young man's future privacy.

Sure enough: If you google Jesus Sanchez + HIV, he comes up immediately. More power to him if he is really ready for that type of exposure. I certainly hope so because it is out there now for good.

will either of the heartless, greedy harridans who have exploited his diagnosis be around to comfort him or offer any support?

Bucko -- criticising the editorial decisions of POZ magazine is fair game, but impugning the character of two women I consider friends, who are also members of these forums, is crossing way over the line. I know Regan and Sally well, and consider them colleagues in the fight against AIDS. You do not know them. You seem to have one massive chip on your shoulder, and it's making you look very, very small.

off the subject one moment please... thunter34 good pic with the hat but, I really liked the one with you looking down and the shirt off... it reminded me of good times... lol everyone has made such good points on this topic...

That's for sure! It's especially telling since YOU started this thread. Spilling beans... girl, you dumped them on the stage. While I certainly appreciate the fact that one can be so open about being gay (it sounds like it's pretty obvious) and HIV+ (not so obvious - yet), some things are lacking from all your posts, while other things are there in (over)abundance.

I don't see you showing a lot of respect or concern for anybody 'cept yourself. You say your friends care so much about you, but what do you do for them? Grace them with your presence? I don't see respect for others. How about this for disrespect:

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If you take care of yourself, eat right, workout, and put your health first you can maintain your health and that is exactly what I do.

Come on, do you even read what others post? I'm one of the ones that take care of myself (as do many), work out (as do many), and put my health first (as do most of us), yet we're still suffering from this disease and from the medications that keep us alive. I consider myself very fortunate because I have good insurance coverage, good health, and a great support system, but you wouldn't know that unless you read and paid attention to what I (and others) post. It's certainly not something to appear to be bragging about. I'm not of the 'dooms day' mindset, but a reality check is definitely in order here.

I do see too much of is 'me, me, me, ... I know it all... I'll never... I'm so lucky... It'll never happen to me (it did, though, didn't it?), they'd never leave me, they love me, etc. Where are your peers... guys your age? I assume when you call them 'girls' that they really are girls and not just queeny chicken. Who are you helping when you're not being served?

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It wont go to my head.. Thats what its all about breaking the stereotypes!!!

At least you succeeded in this, I suppose. I mean about breaking stereotypes. And that does what for the HIV+ readers of POZ®? Hell, I don't meet the current infection demographics, and yet I'm HIV+. Wow. So not newsworthy.

I don't think I got my points across well... like Brent, I puked a little in my mouth, and it's distracting. Oh, and how about explaining to Tim, one of my favorite people here, why what he said was hateful.

Bucko -- criticising the editorial decisions of POZ magazine is fair game, but impugning the character of two women I consider friends, who are also members of these forums, is crossing way over the line. I know Regan and Sally well, and consider them colleagues in the fight against AIDS. You do not know them. You seem to have one massive chip on your shoulder, and it's making you look very, very small.

Since they are members of the forums, consider yourself warned.

Peter

Peter-Duly noted.

But what is your take on the cover story?

Logged

Blessed with brains, talent and gorgeous tits.

The revolutionary smart set reads The Spin Cycle at least once every day.

I think a lot of thoughtful observations have been voiced here about the article and about serious HIV issues. There have also been a few unworthy potshots and snappings like Jesse being called a bug chaser, an evaluation for which I don't see any clear evidence. I'll leave that alone now since Peter addressed it directly.

Now Jesse might not even want this kind of intervention on my part, but I'm going to say it anyway. He's a provocative teenager and all that can entail at times.

I would just ask some continued forbearance from members in commenting to or about him. That doesn't mean you shouldn't express something about the magazine or the article if you feel the need to. Just remember Jesse's a 19 year-old-kid, whether he likes being identified that way or not by me.

There are a lot of heavyweights among us here so please consider before launching any (further) missiles.

[And yes, I'd like to hear what Sally and Peter- and perhaps even Regan would have to say about the article.]

tick tock tick tock

You can tick tock away. Given the nature of the dialogue thus far, I've advised them not to reply. I wouldn't wish this thread on my worst enemy. If folks want to do something constructive about POZ's editorial decisions, I'd advise them to send constructive comments to letters@poz.com, where readers submit letters to the editor for possible publication.

You can tick tock away. Given the nature of the dialogue thus far, I've advised them not to reply. I wouldn't wish this thread on my worst enemy. If folks want to do something constructive about POZ's editorial decisions, I'd advise them to send constructive comments to letters@poz.com, where readers submit letters to the editor for possible publication.

Peter

Peter,

Perhaps you can advise them to post from time to time. A post asking for input, what effects our lives, what would get US to read the magazine would work wonders. Sample post from POZ® in these forums: "Forum members, we at POZ® are considering doing an article about HIV discrimination in the workplace. We'd like to hear your stories and what you've done to overcome this discrimination." Distancing themselves from the folks they intend to market doesn't benefit anybody, unless POZ® is just a vehicle for drug advertisements in Dr. offices, etc. This isn't meant as a criticism of you or anybody, but a suggestion. I don't want to see myself or letters in print, but would like to see 'our' community served a bit better. Thanks.